Internet canine communication device and method

ABSTRACT

Enhanced methods and systems for human-pet communication are described. Example embodiments provide an Internet Canine Communication System (“ICCS”). The ICCS facilitates remote communication and interaction with between a dog and its owner, caretaker, trainer, family member, or the like. The ICCS may include a base station or similar device that is configured to deliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communication between the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user. The ICCS may also facilitate training the dog to utilize the ICCS to communicate with the user, such as by answering calls from or initiating calls to the remote client device of the user.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/988,066 filed Jan. 5, 2016; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/765,546 filed Feb. 12, 2013; which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/752,217 filed Jan.28, 2013; which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/689,270 filed Jun. 2, 2012, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to systems, devices, and methods forcommunicating with a pet.

BACKGROUND

In the past few years, there has been a rapid advance and convergence ofcommunication technologies which exploit the low cost and ubiquitousnature of Wi-Fi and the Internet. Low cost Internet cameras (e.g., Webcameras or “webcams”) are configured to transmit live audio and videofeeds over the Internet. Some Internet cameras allow remote controltilting and panning. Video “chat” services, such as Skype and Apple'sFace Time, provide video communication with another person who hasInternet access. One of the driving forces in the rapid progress andevolution of these communication technologies is our desire to keep intouch with family and friends.

This desire to communicate with family and friends also applies to oneof the most important members of a typical family, the pet dog. A simpleInternet camera to keep an eye on the family dog when he is home alonesuffers from a number of drawbacks. As one example, Internet cameras andtheir associated computers typically cannot be controlled by typicaldogs, as dogs cannot manipulate the requisite input devices, such askeyboards and/or mice. The advance of Internet communicationtechnologies now make possible devices, systems, and methods to bettercommunicate with family dogs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present invention are described in detailbelow with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the side, front, and top of anInternet Canine Communication System according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the side, rear, and top of theexample Internet Canine Communication System;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating a treat carousel of the exampleInternet Canine Communication System;

FIG. 4 illustrates a treat slide located in the interior of the exampleInternet Canine Communication System;

FIG. 5 illustrates a carousel motor located in the interior of theexample Internet Canine Communication System;

FIG. 6 illustrates the activation cover of the example Internet CanineCommunication System;

FIG. 7 illustrates operation of the example Internet CanineCommunication System by a dog;

FIG. 8 illustrates a mobile client device according to exampleembodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates interacting via a Web camera with an Internet CanineCommunication System according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an Internet Canine Communication System according toanother example embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram that illustrates a process for communicatingwith a pet according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein provide enhanced methods and systems forhuman-pet communication and, more particularly, for remote communicationand interaction with between a pet and its owner, caretaker, trainer,family member, or the like. Example embodiments provide an InternetCanine Communication System (“ICCS”). Some embodiments of the ICCSinclude a device (e.g., base station, home device) that is configured todeliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communicationbetween the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the side, front, and top of anInternet Canine Communication System 100 according to an exampleembodiment. In FIG. 1, the ICCS 100 contains a video camera 102, acamera positioning lever 104, a microphone 106, and a speaker 107. TheICCS 100 also includes a food tray 114 and an activation cover 110. Inthis embodiment, the activation cover 110 is substantially transparentand includes open holes 112, so that the dog can both see and smell thepresence of a treat in the food tray 114. In other embodiments, theactivation cover 110 may be opaque and/or may not include holes 112. Asmall bell 108 and a training button 116 are located on the side of theICCS 100. The ICCS 100 also includes a hinged top 118 and latch 120 forsecuring the hinged top 118 in the closed position. The speaker 107 andbell 108 are examples of audio output devices that may be used tocommunicate with the dog.

In this embodiment, the components of the ICCS 100 are arranged in ahousing that is substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. Inother embodiments, other shapes may be used, including cylindrical,pyramidical, or the like. In some embodiments, the ICCS 100 may be builtinto the wall of a house or other structure (e.g., a cabinet,refrigerator).

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the side, rear, and top of theexample Internet Canine Communication System 100. In particular, FIG. 2shows the back of the ICCS 100, with Velcro (e.g., hook and loopfastener) wall fasteners 122 a and 122 b. The ICCS 100 may bepermanently or removably attached to a wall or other stable structure inother ways, including brackets, screws, magnets, or the like. Attachingthe ICCS 100 to a wall or other stable structure is advantageous becauseeven small dogs may be able to move, tip over, or otherwise disrupt thelocation, orientation, or operation of the ICCS 100. Also shown areconnections or ports for power 124, Wi-Fi antenna 126 and Ethernet 128.Other or additional networking mechanisms may be supported, such as USB,FireWire, infrared, or the like.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating a treat carousel of the exampleInternet Canine Communication System 100. FIG. 3 shows the ICCS 100 withits top 118 open, showing an open-bottom treat carousel 130 resting on acarousel floor layer 138. The treat carousel 130 contains multipleindividual treat compartments, such as compartments 132 a and 132 b,each housing a respective treat 134 a and 134 b. An opening 136 in thecarousel floor layer 138 is visible through the open-bottom carousel130. In other embodiments, the ICCS 100 may include a treat bin. A treatbin may be any container configured to hold and dispense treats. Oneexample treat bin is a container that includes an activatable doorconfigured to open and release one or more treats stored in the bin, ora rotating vertical wheel with notches/baskets to dispense the treats.The carousel 130 (or one or more of its compartments) may also beconsidered a treat bin.

FIG. 4 illustrates a treat slide located in the interior of the exampleInternet Canine Communication System 100. FIG. 4 shows the carouselfloor layer 138 with the carousel 130 removed. A treat passage (e.g.,slide or chute) 142 connects the opening 136 in the carousel floor layer138 with an opening 144 to the food tray 114. Also visible is a light146 (e.g., an LED light), positioned so that it illuminates the foodtray 114 and activation cover 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a carousel motor located in the interior of theexample Internet Canine Communication System 100. FIG. 5 depicts thecarousel motor 148 below the carousel floor layer 138. The carouselmotor 148 includes a shaft 150 that protrudes through the floor layer138. The shaft 150 is rotated by the carousel motor 148. The shaft 150drives the rotation of the carousel 130. Also shown is a printed circuitboard 154 and its microprocessors 152 a and 152 b. The circuit board 154and its data processing modules may actuate the carousel motor 148and/or other subsystems of the ICCS 100 in response to signals,commands, or other indications received via various input devices of theICCS 100, including the training button 116, Wi-Fi antenna 126, Ethernetport 128, or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates the activation cover 110 of the example InternetCanine Communication System. Visible in this view is an activator arm156 that extends from the back of the activation cover 110 through aslot 158 in the back of the food tray 114 area towards an activatorswitch 160 having an activator button 162. An activator flange 166protrudes from end of the activator arm 156, and is positioned so thatit engages the activator button 162 as the activation cover 110 ispushed inward. A spring 164 is attached to the activator flange 166 andthe wall of the ICCS 100 so that the activation cover 110 is kept in theforward (closed) position.

FIG. 7 illustrates operation of the example Internet CanineCommunication System 100 by a dog. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a dog 200pushing in the activation cover 110 with his nose (or paw) to get to thetreat 134 in the food tray 114.

FIG. 8 illustrates a mobile client device according to exampleembodiments. In particular, FIG. 8 shows a mobile device 300 having ascreen 302 for a mobile app for the ICCS 100. Image data such as a video304 of the dog 200 is shown on the screen 302. The screen 302 alsoincludes controls (e.g., touch-screen buttons) for interacting with theICCS, including a call button 306, a deliver treat button 310, a recordvideo button 312, and an end call button 308. The mobile device 300 maytake other forms, such as a cell phone, smart phone, tablet computer,laptop computer, or the like. Other embodiments may provide clientsoftware for execution on other types of computers, such as desktop orkiosk-based systems.

To use the ICCS 100, a family member, pet owner, caretaker, or otheruser (e.g., trainer) first trains the dog to use the ICCS 100. The ICCS100 is initially mounted on a wall or other suitable stable surface(e.g., cabinet, chest of drawers, computer table) using Velcro fasteners122 a and 122 b, at a height that is appropriate for the size of thedog. The user next places treats 134 in each of the treat compartments132 of the treat carousel 130, closes the top 118, and then secures thetop 118 with the latch 120.

Next, with the dog in the room, the user pushes the training button 116on the side of the ICCS 100. Pushing the training button 116 causes atreat delivery command or signal to be transmitted to a treat deliverysubsystem or module of the ICCS 100, including those components that areinvolved in delivering a treat to the food tray 114, notifying the dog,and the like. More specifically, pushing the training button 116activates the bell 108 and flashing light 146, and also activates thecarousel motor 148 to rotate and advance the carousel 130 until the nexttreat compartment 132 is positioned above the opening 136 in thecarousel floor layer 138. Upon rotation of the carousel 130, the treat134 drops through the opening 136, down the treat slide 142, and ontothe food tray 114. Transmission of the treat delivery command or signalmay be direct (e.g., via hard wiring between the training button 116 andthe carousel 130) or indirect (e.g., intermediated via a microprocessoror other data processing module).

While the bell 108 is ringing and the light 146 is flashing, the dog'sattention is easily directed to the food tray 114, since the dog can seethe treat through the activation cover 110, and can smell the treatthrough the holes 112. As shown in FIG. 7, the dog will soon learn thathe can use his nose (or paw) to push open the activation cover 110 toreach the treat 134 in the food tray 114. As the dog pushes open theactivation cover 110, the activation arm 156 is advanced through theslot 158, causing the activator flange 166 to contact the activatorbutton 162, which turns off the bell 108.

The above training procedure, initiated by pressing the training button116, can be repeated as often as necessary until the dog 200 is trainedto push open the activation cover 110 every time he hears the bell 108.The final step in the training process is to push the training button116 when the dog 200 is not in the room. It may take several repetitions(possibly initially requiring some other command to get the dog to comeinto the room), but the dog will soon learn to enter the room, approachthe ICCS 100, and push the activation cover 110 to obtain a treat everytime he hears the bell 108.

Before the ICCS 100 can be used to remotely communicate with the dog200, it is first configured to interact with a user's mobile device 300.Some embodiments may include security and/or authentication (e.g., basedon passwords, device identifiers, or the like), such that onlyauthorized users can access the ICCS 100. In addition, the camerapositioning lever 104 is used to adjust the camera angle to accommodatethe size of the dog. Before leaving the house, the user also fills thetreat compartments 132 and secures the top 118.

To use the ICCS 100, as shown in FIG. 8, the user activates clientsoftware (e.g., an “app”) on their mobile device 300, and pushes the“call dog” button 306 visible on the screen 302. This causes a treatdelivery command to be delivered to the treat delivery subsystem ormodule of the ICCS 100. In particular, pressing the call dog button 306remotely activates the bell 108, light 146, and carousel motor 148. Thecarousel tray 130 rotates, sending a treat 134 onto the food tray 114.The dog 200 hears the bell 108, approaches the ICCS 100, and pushes theactivation cover 110 to obtain his treat. Pushing the activation cover110 engages the activation button 162, which in turn turns off the bell108, and at the same time activates the camera 102 and microphone 106,thus allowing the dog to “answer” the phone (or “accept” the call). Inanother embodiment, the camera 102 and microphone 106 may be activateddirectly from the “call dog” button, rather than from the dog pushingthe activation button 162. Image data (e.g., video or still images)obtained by the camera 102 is presented in the video window 304 of themobile device screen 302.

Note that other embodiments may have different mechanisms or employdifferent techniques for delivering treats and determining when to turnoff the bell 108. Some embodiments may, for example, eject a treat ontothe floor or into a tray of the ICCS 100, and then determine to turn offthe bell 108 (or other audio device of the ICCS) in response to an inputreceived from the dog. An input may include pushing an activation cover110 (as above), but may also or instead include a response lever orpanel configured to make it easy for the dog to push with nose or paw,detecting motion (e.g., via a motion detector of the ICCS), detecting asound (e.g., a bark detected via a microphone of the ICCS), detectingheat (e.g., via an infrared sensor), or the like. Some embodiments thusmay not include one or more of the components related to determiningwhen the treat has been taken, such as the activation cover 110, and thelike.

Once the dog has accepted the call, the user can further interact withthe dog. The user can speak to the dog through the speaker 107, and giveadditional rewards by pressing the “give treat” button 310 on the mobileapp. Pushing the “give treat” button 310 activates the rotation of thecarousel and rings the bell, in a similar fashion to the “call dog”button 306, allowing the dog to receive additional treats during thecall. Finally, at the end of the interaction with the dog 200, the userpresses the “end call” button 308 on the mobile app. This turns off thecamera 102, microphone 106, and light 146, thereby resetting the ICCS100 for the next call. The “record video” button 312 allows the familymember to record entertaining or memorable video received during a call.

Other embodiments of the ICCS may include the option to allow the ICCSto be used as a simple remote camera, along with remote panning andzooming. Other embodiments of the ICCS may include multiple treat chutesand/or trays, so that the dog is not sure which platter, tray, orposition the treat will go to. Having multiple treat trays achievesentertaining movements of the dog's head and eyes visible on the videoduring the call. In addition, a toy such as a spinning dial or movingobject, activated by the mobile device client app and positioned nearthe camera on the ICCS, makes the dog's excitement visible on the video,as well as helps direct the dog's attention to the camera. Interestingtoys or puzzle accessories may be attached to the ICCS, or linkedremotely to the ICCS, in order to present to additional challenges orgames for the dog to get to a treat while being viewed on the app. Inaddition, recorded videos may be shared on line with other familymembers and others in an online ICCS community.

Note that while operation of the ICCS is herein primarily described withrespect to a pet dog, other embodiments may be configured to operatewith other types of pets or animals (e.g., in a zoo or scientificstudy). For example, one embodiment may provide an Internet FelineCommunication System that dispenses food treats, cat toys, and/or catnipto cause the cat to interact with the system. The Internet FelineCommunication System may also or instead present audio/video of birds orother animals to attract a pet cat's attention.

FIG. 9 illustrates interacting via a Web camera with an Internet CanineCommunication System according to an example embodiment. This embodimentprovides an ICCS 100′ that is similar to the ICCS 100 described above,except that it does not include at least some of the audio and/or videocapabilities in the base station (e.g. the housing that performs treatdelivery). More specifically, the ICCS 100′ is located proximate to Webcamera (“webcam”) 400 already installed at a residence or otherlocation. The webcam 400 includes a speaker 406. To use the ICCS 100′, amobile app on the user's mobile device 300 transmits (e.g., via anInternet connection) a specific encoded audio signal 402 to the webcam400. The signal 402 is received by the webcam 400 and is then played viathe speaker 406 as audio signal 404. The microphone 106 on the ICCS 100′then receives and processes the audio signal 404, activating the ICCS100′ to ring the bell 108 and deliver a treat 134. The webcam 400performs the video and audio transmission functions performed by thecamera 102 and speaker 107 of the ICCS 100 described above.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the ICCS 100′ does not have a networkconnection to the webcam 400. Instead, the ICCS 100′ receives commandsor signals from the webcam 400 that are transmitted as sound waves bythe speaker 406 of the webcam 400. The ICCS 100′ is configured tofunction with any networked (e.g., Internet, intranet, cellular) videocamera that includes an audio output facility as long as the transmittedaudio signal 404 is strong or loud enough for the ICCS 100′ to detectit. In addition, being able to position the ICCS 100′ some distance awayfrom the webcam 400 gives greater flexibility in generating moreinteresting and dynamic videos of the dog as he interacts with the ICCS100′.

Another embodiment of the ICCS may bypass some or all of the electronicsand programming associated with providing audio/video communication byusing conventional video conferencing software (e.g., Skype) and/ordevices, such as the webcam 400 described above. For example, a desktopcomputer installed in the same room as the ICCS may include an attachedwebcam and speakers and have installed video conferencing software thatis configured to transmit video and/or audio between the room and aremote client device. In other embodiments, the ICCS may itself includea computer processor that is configured to run a stock or customizedvideo conferencing client. Such approaches potentially lower the cost ofproducing an ICCS by reducing or eliminating some of the data processingfunctions and/or software requirements included in the treat deliveryhousing.

FIG. 10 illustrates an Internet Canine Communication System according toanother example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 10 depicts an ICCS 100″that is a variation of the ICCS 100 and 100′ described above. The ICCS100″ includes an audio device 502, such as bell, speaker, or other audiooutput device. The ICCS 100″ also includes a microphone 106 and a treatdelivery module 503. The treat delivery module 503 includes a mechanism(e.g., including one or more of a carousel, slide, bin, actuator, motor)for delivering treats in response to a received command or signal.

Also shown is a personal computer 500 (e.g., a laptop or desktopcomputer) that is communicatively coupled via a USB or similarconnection to a webcam 400. In other embodiments, the personal computer500 and the webcam 400 are in wireless communication. The personalcomputer 500 is also communicatively coupled to a mobile device 300 viathe Internet 510 or other communication network.

The personal computer 501 includes logic 501 that is configured tocommunicate with the mobile device 300, the webcam 400, and the ICCS100″. In particular, the logic 501 is configured to receive inputs fromthe mobile device 300 and to forward them (or signals based thereon) tothe ICCS 100″. The logic 501 is also configured to receive video/audiodata from the webcam 400 and forward it to the mobile device 300.

In one embodiment, the logic 501 may be video conferencing software(e.g., Skype) that is configured to ring or play some other tone orsound in response to an incoming call from a video conferencing appexecuting on the mobile device 300, or able to receive voice or soundcommands from the mobile device 300. The logic 501 plays the ring orother sound via the audio connection to the ICCS 100″. For example, ifthe audio connection is a cable to the ICCS 100″, the sound may beplayed via the audio device 502 and then detected by the microphone 106.In another configuration, the logic 501 plays the sound via a speaker ofthe personal computer 500, such that the sound can be detected by themicrophone 106 of the ICCS 100″. In general, after the logic 501automatically answers an incoming call, the ICCS 100″ may be activatedin one or more of the following ways: a sound initiated by the logic 501and played by the audio device 502; a sound initiated by the mobiledevice 300 (e.g., in response to a button pressed by a user), receivedby the logic 501, and then played by the audio device 502; a spokencommand uttered by the user of the mobile device 300, transmitted to thelogic 501, and then played by the audio device 502. Any of these sounds(or other ones generated in other ways) can then be detected by themicrophone 106, causing activation of the ICCS 100″ as described furtherbelow. In some embodiments, the ICCS 100″ includes logic (e.g.,software, hardware, and/or firmware) to recognize spoken commandsreceived via the microphone 106. The recognition logic may be a speechrecognizer that is configured to recognize specific words, phrases,speakers (e.g., to differentiate between different users based onfeatures of their voices), and the like.

In response to the sound detected by the microphone 106, the ICCS 100″causes the delivery module 503 to dispense a treat and/or causes theaudio device 502 to play a sound (e.g., a whistle or bell) that callsthe dog. Concurrently, the logic 501 automatically answers the incomingcall, and begins to transmit audio/video captured by the Web camera 400to the mobile device 300. The logic 501 may also receive audio/videofrom the mobile device 300, and play it via a display or speaker of thepersonal computer 500 or the audio device 502 of the ICCS 100″.

During the communication session, the user of the mobile device 300 maytransmit other commands to the ICCS 100.” For example, the user maypress keys or other input controls that generate sounds or issue a voicecommand word, that are configured, when played by the personal computer500, to cause the ICCS 100″ to perform certain functions, such asdelivering a treat, making a sound, shaking a toy, or the like.

As noted, the logic 501 and the corresponding client software on themobile device 300 may be standard video conferencing software. In otherembodiments, the logic 501 and client on the mobile device client 300may be custom software. For example, the logic 501 may be configured torespond to dial tones (e.g., DTMF tones) generated by the mobile deviceand to forward those tones (or signals/commands based thereon) to theICCS 100″. Other hardware arrangements are also contemplated. Forexample, the webcam 400 may be incorporated into the personal computer500, such as is often the case with laptops or tablet computers.

Another embodiment of the ICCS provides an outgoing call feature. Morespecifically, the ICCS may provide and implement a protocol for allowingthe dog or other pet to call or videoconference with family members orother persons. A sound and/or visual cue is programmed in the ICCS toactivate at a certain time or time interval. This sound can be distinctfrom the sound indicating an incoming call. For example, a softer soundor visual cue can catch the dog's attention when the dog wanders intothe room, rather than a louder sound indicating an incoming call thatneeds to be heard throughout the house and answered immediately. Duringthe “outgoing call period” the dog is trained to push the treat door (oranother door or button), and receive a treat. Alternatively, the treatcan be dispensed when the outgoing call period begins. Operation of thetreat door by the dog activates ICCS to initiate an outgoing call to adesignated user (or users). Once the outgoing call is accepted by theuser, the user can interact and give treats as described with respect toincoming calls, above. It should be noted that the dog gets a treat forinitiating the call during the outgoing call period, even if the call isnot answered by the user. If the dog activates the treat door at otherperiods, no treat is given. In some embodiments, once the dog initiatesan outgoing call during the outgoing call period, the period is ended;this way, the dog cannot repeatedly make a call in order to obtain moretreats.

Embodiments of the ICCS may also provide various training-relatedtechniques. For example, a disembodied voice coming from the ICCS may beconfusing to the dog, since it sounds quite different to the dog than a“live voice”, and since it is disassociated from the smell and sight ofthe person speaking. For this reason, the dog may need to re-learn hisestablished repertoire of tricks in response to a new set of speakercommands. One process for training tricks with the ICCS involves havingthe dog hear both the sound of a person's live voice and the sound ofthe person's voice thru the speaker of the ICCS. This process may beeffectuated by having the user give commands via a mobile client devicewhile in the room with the dog and the ICCS. Thus, the dog will hearboth the user's voice live and via the speaker of the ICCS at the sametime. Over time, the user can move further and further away from theICCS while uttering a command, causing the commands played via the ICCSspeaker to become more dominant. Alternatively, the user can cause(e.g., via the mobile client device) the commands played via the ICCSspeaker to become louder (e.g., at increased volume), such as bypressing an appropriate input on the mobile client device, therebycausing the commands played via the ICCS speaker to become moredominant.

In another training process, the ICCS includes an audio recordingfunction, which can be used to record commands for training purposes.The user can use a mobile client device (or controls on the ICCS) toplay recorded commands via the ICCS speaker. The user can furtherreinforce such commands with a live voice to the extent necessary totrain the dog to do tricks in response to commands played by the ICCSspeaker.

In some embodiments, the treat carousel of the ICCS is configured tofacilitate selection of a specific treat for the pet. For example, theuser of a mobile client device may specify a particular treatcompartment or treat type by way of a remote command. In response toreceiving the command, the ICCS rotates the treat carousel to theselected compartment and delivers a treat therefrom. In this manner, theICCS may facilitate the delivery of different types of treats to thepet.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram that illustrates a process for communicatingwith a pet according to an example embodiment. The illustrated processmay be performed by embodiments of the ICCS, described above.

In blocks 1002-1006, the process operates in a training mode, duringwhich the pet is trained to interact with the ICCS. More specifically,the process begins at block 1002, where it receives an indication of auser selection of a training control. As discussed above, the ICCS mayinclude a training control such as a button or switch, orcircuitry/logic to receive voice command words from the trainer in theroom, or from the mobile device. The training control may also orinstead be situated on a remote client device operated by a user, andthus transmitted from the client device to the ICCS base station.

At block 1004, the process delivers a treat and notifies the pet. Inresponse to receiving the indication of the selection of the trainingcontrol, the process may transmit a delivery command to a deliverymodule in the ICCS base station or housing. The treat delivery modulemay include logic and/or mechanical elements (e.g., treat carousel,carousel motor, treat slide) configured to deliver a treat to a foodtray, initiate a sound (e.g., play an audio signal, ring a bell, cause alocal or remote audio device to output a sound) to notify the pet of thepresence of a treat in the food tray, and stop playing the audio signalwhen the pet accesses the food tray to obtain the treat.

At block 1006, the process determines whether to continue training. Ifso, the process returns to block 1002 to await another selection of thetraining control; otherwise the process continues with block 1008.

In blocks 1008-1014, the process operates in a communication mode, inwhich it facilitates communication between the pet and a user operatinga remote client device. More specifically, at block 1008, the processreceives a communication command from a remote client device. Thecommunication command may be a network packet, request, or other signalreceived via a networking interface of the ICCS. In other embodiments,the communication command may be a sound (e.g., audio signal) receivedfrom a speaker of a nearby webcam or other videoconferencing apparatus(e.g., a PC with attached speakers and camera; a laptop with integralspeakers and camera).

At block 1010, the process delivers a treat and notifies the pet.Delivering the treat and notifying the pet may include transmitting thedelivery command, as discussed above with respect to block 1004.

At block 1012, the process communicates audio and/or video between theremote client device and the pet. Communicating the audio and/or videomay include transmitting audio and/or video of the pet to the remoteclient device in addition to receiving and presenting audio and/or videoof the user received from the remote client device. The communicationmay be performed by communication modules that are integral to the ICCShousing (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and/or by communication modules thatare separate from the treat delivery portion of the ICCS (e.g., as shownin FIG. 9 or 10).

At block 1014, the process determines whether to continue. If so, theprocess returns to block 1008 to await receipt of another communicationcommand. If not, the process ends. For example, if an end call signal orcommand is received from the client device, the process may return toblock 1008 to await the next call. Alternatively, the process mayreceive a shutdown signal or command, in which case the process ends.

The process of FIG. 11 and the other processes or functions describedherein may be performed at least in part by conventional computerhardware and software arrangements. For example, the described processesmay be performed by the microprocessors 152 a and/or 152 b.Microprocessors 152 may each include a memory, central processing unit(“CPU”), input/output devices or ports, and the like. Memory may be orinclude any computer-readable media, including as volatile ornon-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, Flash memory, magnetic storage,optical storage, and the like. Some embodiments may store in memoryinstructions or other contents that are configured, when executed by aCPU or other processing unit, to perform one or more of the describedprocesses. Some embodiments may implement one or more of the describedprocesses by way of fixed or configurable hardware arrangementsincluding as application specific integrated circuits,field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, or the like.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes,”“including,” “comprises,” and “comprising” should be interpreted asreferring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner,indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may bepresent, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, orsteps that are not expressly referenced. Where the written descriptionand/or claims refer to at least one of something selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, C and N, the text should be interpreted as requiringat least one element from the group (A, B, C N), rather than A plus N,or B plus N, etc.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/988,066, filed Jan. 5, 2016 andentitled “INTERNET CANINE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD;” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/765,546, filed Feb. 12, 2013 and entitled“INTERNET CANINE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD;” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/752,217, filed Jan. 28, 2013 and entitled“INTERNET CANINE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD;” and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/689,270, filed Jun. 2, 2012 and entitled“INTERNET CANINE COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. Where a definition or use of a term in anincorporated reference is inconsistent with or contrary to thedefinition or use of that term provided herein, the definition or use ofthat term provided herein governs.

While one or more embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed above, many changes can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of theinvention is not limited by the disclosure of specific embodiment.Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to theclaims that follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method for interactingwith a pet, comprising: providing a system for communicating with a petfrom a user of a communication device, the system including a treatdispenser for delivery of treats to a pet, a personal computing devicein communication with the treat dispenser and further comprising aprocessor for sending and receiving communication commands, and aspeaker in proximity to the treat dispenser; training the pet to make acall to the user by: playing an audio signal via the speaker; causingone of the treats to be delivered from the treat dispenser to the pet;and stopping the play of the audio signal; and facilitating outgoingcalls from the pet to the communication device, by: initiating a soundto indicate a preselected outgoing call time period during which the petmay initiate a call to the communication device; during the preselectedoutgoing call time period, receiving an indication that the pet hasselected a control of the treat dispenser; and in response to thereceived indication, initiating an outgoing call to the communicationdevice, the outgoing call including transmitting live audio or video ofthe pet.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the treat dispenser includesmultiple food trays that are each configured to deliver treats to thepet, and further comprising: receiving from the communication device aselection of one of the multiple food trays; and in response to thereceived selection, delivering a treat to the selected food tray.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the treat dispenser has an associated toythat is moveable in response to commands received from the communicationdevice, and further comprising: receiving from the communication devicea command to move the toy; and in response to the received command,causing the toy to move.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving at the system a communication command; recognizing thecommunication command; and in response to the communication command,causing one of the treats to be delivered from the treat dispenser tothe pet.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the communication command isa spoken command uttered by a user of the communication device, thespoken command played by the personal computing device via the speaker.6. The method of claim 4, wherein the communication command is a verbalcommand from the user, and the system further comprising an audio inputdevice configured to receive the communication command.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising during the preselected outgoing call timeperiod, delivering a treat, wherein receiving the indication that thepet has selected the control of the treat dispenser includes receivingan indication that the pet has accessed the treat.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein facilitating outgoing calls from the pet to thecommunication device includes in response to the received indication,providing the pet with a treat, thereby rewarding the pet for initiatingthe outgoing call.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising trainingthe pet to respond to spoken commands of a user when played via thespeaker by, when the user is in the room with the training dispenser:playing audio of a spoken command via the speaker in time proximity towhen the user utters the spoken command so that the pet hears andassociates the spoken command played by the speaker and the spokencommand uttered by user; and causing one of the treats to be deliveredfrom the treat dispenser to the pet.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereintraining the pet to respond to spoken commands of the user includes:recording the spoken commands via an audio input device; and playing oneof the recorded spoken commands via the speaker.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the audio signal is played from one of an audio signalingdevice or the speaker.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the audiosignal is played continuously until receipt of input from the pet.
 13. Amethod for interacting with a pet, comprising: providing a system forcommunicating with a pet from a user communication device, the systemincluding a treat dispenser having a pet detection mechanism fordetecting input from the pet, video conferencing software, and anaudio/video device; training the pet to answer a call from a user by:playing an audio signal via the audio/video device; causing one of thetreats to be delivered from the treat dispenser to the pet; and stoppingthe play of the audio signal; and receiving, via the video conferencingsoftware, an incoming call from the communication device; recognizing acommunication command from the communication device to the treatdispenser; in response to the communication command, playing an audiosignal via the audio/video device to notify the pet of the availabilityof a treat; and dispensing a treat to the pet; and in response to inputfrom the pet, initiating transmission to the communication device of atleast one of audio or video of the pet via the video conferencesoftware.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising connecting acomputing device to the treat dispenser, the computing device executingthe video conferencing software, wherein the computing device isconnected to the treat dispenser via at least one of a cable or wirelessconnection.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising facilitatingoutgoing calls from the pet to the communication device, by: initiatinga sound to indicate a preselected outgoing call time period during whichthe pet may initiate a call to the communication device; during thepreselected outgoing call time period, receiving an indication that thepet has selected a control of the treat dispenser; and in response tothe received indication, initiating an outgoing call to thecommunication device, the outgoing call including transmitting liveaudio or video of the pet.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising during the preselected outgoing call time period, deliveringa treat, wherein receiving the indication that the pet has selected thecontrol of the treat dispenser includes receiving an indication that thepet has accessed the treat.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinfacilitating outgoing calls from the pet to the communication deviceincludes in response to the received indication, providing the pet witha treat, thereby rewarding the pet for initiating the outgoing call. 18.The method of claim 13, further comprising training the pet to obtain atreat from the treat dispenser by: playing an audio signal that notifiesthe pet of the availability of a treat; playing audio of a spokencommand via the audio/video device in time proximity to when the userutters the spoken command so that the pet hears and associates thespoken command played by the audio/video device with the spoken commanduttered by the user; and causing one of the treats to be delivered fromthe treat dispenser to the pet;
 19. The method of claim 13, whereintraining the pet to obtain a treat from the treat dispenser by playingthe spoken command includes: recording the spoken command via an audioinput device; and playing the spoken command via the audio/video device.20. The method of claim 13, wherein the treat dispenser includesmultiple food trays that are each configured to deliver treats to thepet, and further comprising: receiving from the communication device aselection of one of the multiple food trays; and in response to thereceived selection, delivering a treat to the selected food tray.